All posts tagged: Sewing

Happy Birthday, Sis! (a.k.a. Montlake Tee & Sweater Repair)

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My sister’s birthday was a few days ago, so I wanted to share a quick couple of things I finished up for her… First up, my latest take on the Montlake Tee! I used the same fabrics from my last tester version, but added some color blocking because A) I thought it would look cool… and B) I didn’t have enough fabric for sleeves in the main color :/ But I couldn’t resist using up the rest of this fabric because I just love it so much! :D I wanted to print a copy of the final version of the pattern anyway, so before I threw my old one out, I figured I would play around with some color blocking! I chopped a little off of the top of each pattern piece, then taped them together and created a new piece, and added seam allowances to all respective edges…    Then I did this: Ooops… :/ Tried that one again… :) I used this pocket pattern, but cut on the inner edges to make it a little …

An unannounced look into my sewing room…

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Warning: This is not a neat and tidy look into my sewing room like last time. No, this is what you may find if you stop by my house unannounced and ask to see the guest room. :/ To be fair… I’d say it’s about 50-50. There’s a 50% chance you will walk in with it looking nice and neat. I feel very uninspired when it’s messy, so I do clean up typically before I start a new project (or if I know I’m going to have visitors). But then there’s the other 50% of the time when you may find it looking something like this… This is what happens when I’m looking for a pattern that I know I have cut out somewhere but can’t find (hint: this particular time I was looking for my Foxglove Tank pattern – previously used here – for my latest project that’s currently hanging there on Charlotte waiting to be photographed). :/ I have “most” of my cut patterns in a binder… but then there is also the stack …

Straight Stitch Designs Montlake Pattern Testing

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So far I’m starting this year out very similar to last year :) And by that I mean pattern testing for Kimberly at Straight Stitch Designs! Yay! Her latest pattern is the Montlake Tee… found HERE! It just released today! It’s a simple, scoop-neck tee that is slightly fitted at the bust and a little more relaxed at the hips. So it’s basically perfect for any knit with at least a little bit of stretch and a little bit of drape. Disclaimer: These are tester versions. So although I love each one as-is, there were a lot of pattern changes along the way so the fit of the final pattern is going to be a little bit different (aka better!) Muahaha! That and I received this pattern in exchange for testing, but that in no way influenced my opinions below. Version 1.   Details: Pattern version 1. Size 4. Long sleeve. No alterations. I sized down for the next one, but this one is still super comfy :) And the shoulder seam and armscye got a huge overhaul …

Last few makes of 2015!

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I know, I know… it’s halfway through January already. But I’m claiming these as 2015 because they were mostly finished in December. :) First up, a little Star Wars goodness!   I just couldn’t resist this fabric from Knitorious Fabrics (this was my first exposure to custom knit prints other than Spoonflower… it’s very dangerous territory!) so I made some leggings for myself and PJ pants for the guy. Mine were done minus hemming in time to go see the new Star Wars on Christmas Eve. His I completed after we got home from the movie and dinner in time to wrap up for Christmas morning :) Naturally, I used my go-to Matilda Leggings for these (unfortunately they have fully switched over to kid patterns only… which are adorable of course but it’s sad for their women’s patterns which have disappeared – so glad I downloaded all of them way back when! ;)  I went with my usual adjustments (added 1/2″ to the rise and sized down on the waistband). I also doubled the waistband …

Workday Wardrobe Project

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Alright! So… as you may know, one of my goals for this year (sewing year, not calendar year) :) is to develop my me-made work wardrobe. But I’d like to take it a step further. Instead of making random pieces that are work appropriate that I may or may not actually wear, I’d like to assess my current wardrobe and choose to make a few key pieces that I actually need and will get a lot of use out of. Enter my 2016 Workday Wardrobe Project! Think a mixture of the Capsule Wardrobe concept, Wardrobe Architect, and Me-Made-May! Here’s my dilemma: Whenever I try to find inspiration for a business casual wardrobe, all I see are adorable outfits with blazers, cardigans, heels, layers, purses, etc. etc. Well, none of this works for my workplace. It’s flats, pants, top, and white coat. Rinse and repeat. Maybe that’s normal for most people. Even if you’re in an office you likely are not carrying your statement purse around with you to complete your outfit wherever you go. But I came out …